This Shabbat is Shabbat Hebron

Thousands expected to celebrate Shabbat in Hebron, the place where this week's parasha takes place.

Elad Benari, 28/10/10 22:26 | updated: 01:15

Hebron

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Thousands of Jews are expected to visit Hebron this Shabbat to mark "Shabbat Hebron".

The Shabbat on which the parasha Chayei Sarah is read is known as "Shabbat Hebron" since it takes place in the city of Hebron. According to the story, Sarah lived 127 years and died in Hebron. Abraham asked the Hittites to intercede for him with Ephron son of Zohar as he wanted to buy from him the Cave of the Patriarchs (Me'arat HaMachpela in Hebrew) at full price in order to bury Sarah there. Abraham paid Ephron 400 shekels of silver for the land, and later buried Sarah in the cave. The site is considered the second holiest site to Jews after the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

It has become a tradition for Jews from Israel and around the world to spend Shabbat Chayei Sarah in Hebron. Everyone gathers together for prayer services in the Cave of the Patriarchs. Tours of the towns and projects in the area also take place.